Ireland up to 12th in FIFA rankings

Brian Kerr's Republic of Ireland have climbed two places to 12th in the latest FIFA world rankings following the positive start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The jump puts Brian Kerr's men ahead of Sweden and Denmark and immediately behind the United States.

Ireland are currently top of Group Four in the European section of the World Cup qualifiers after managing to secure a draw against France in Paris last October.

The French remain second in the FIFA rankings, behind world champions Brazil and ahead of Argentina.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland remain sandwiched between Cyprus and El Salvador in 107th place, while England have slipped one spot from seventh to eighth. Wales have dropped five places from 63rd to 68th and Scotland are down nine places to 86th.